Potential for Leaks Is Why Trump Kept Staff in Dark About Comey’s Termination

The reason President Donald Trump kept key members of his staff in the dark about the dismissal of FBI Director James Comey is a telling one that demands attention.

The Associated Press reported that the president did not let some of his staff know about the firing because he was concerned about leaks. As a result of that concern, he did not let some of his staff know about Comey’s dismissal until about an hour before it happened.

Trump’s concern was apparently not unreasonable: Even with only one hour’s notice, the news still leaked to the media before Trump’s letter to Comey arrived at the FBI’s Washington, D.C., office.

The AP reported that those close to Trump said chief strategist Steve Bannon has been “marginalized on major decisions,” including Comey’s dismissal, after clashing with senior adviser Jared Kushner. Staffers have also said that Trump has continued to raise questions about White House chief of staff Reince Priebus’ ability to lead in the West Wing.

The president has reportedly looked at Bannon and Priebus suspiciously when stories about internal White House drama made their way to the press, according to the AP. Trump was reportedly “seething” over the number of leaks coming from the White House.

Bannon reportedly found out about Comey’s firing by seeing it on television, the Washington Examiner reported.

It goes without saying that this is not the best way to conduct business at the White House, but it’s one that Trump apparently feels is necessary for the time being.

It is a sad commentary that Trump simply cannot trust some members of his inner circle. These leaks are a serious problem that must be stopped, but there’s little doubt that Trump is already working on a plan to eliminate them.